9 Best Bathroom Grab Bars for Elderly Adults

When age makes it hard to use your toilet, bathtub, or shower, bathroom grab bars for elderly adults can help. Grab bars make the bathroom safer and give you peace of mind. Handlebars help you get in and out of the tub and shower independently, while toilet rails remove the need for a home aid and allow more privacy. We’ve listed the nine best affordable grab bars for seniors to enhance the safety and usability of your bathroom.

This two-in-one product is a tall pole that fits your bathroom from floor to ceiling. Near the middle, it has a curved handlebar. Grab the pole or the handlebar for assistance. The handlebar locks in place every 45 degrees, which means you can adjust it to suit your bathroom. The bar and handle support 300 pounds.

These Amazon bestselling rails mount to the the toilet bowl to provide support. Their adjustability makes a wide range of positions possible, and the foam armrests are comfortable. Add soft toilet paper and you have a bathroom fit for royalty.

This Amazon bestseller is made with PVS plastic, which doesn’t scratch the tub and has a smooth texture. This takes about ten minutes to mount to your tub—no tools required. Even if you have arthritis in your hands, you will be able to tighten the clamp. Use this mount to pull yourself up in the tub. Then hold on to it as you get in or out of the water. It even works for bathtubs with a slight slope or ridge.

These suction bars are perfect for any bathroom. The installation is even easier than a clamp-and-twist handle. To install these, position them where you want and push the suction lever down. Just make sure the surface is hard and smooth. A green indicator tells you the installation was successful. Using these safety bars, you will be able to move around your bathroom safely and easily. They are comfortable to grip, and the contoured rubber handle prevents slipping. The bars support up to 300 pounds. And if you want to move them to a different spot, simply reposition and reaffix.

This shower bar for elderly individuals is easy to put on and take off, so be sure to take it with you when you travel. It mounts securely to the wall and helps you maintain your balance in a slippery environment. Just make sure you apply it to a dry shower wall, not to tile.

These safety rails do not need to be mounted to the toilet. Simply wiggle them into position. The bottom rail backs up to the bottom of the toilet bowl so nothing gets in your way. This incredibly easy rail safety system can travel from bathroom to bathroom.

Pros:

No mounting necessary

Easy to move between bathrooms

Has a side bucket for newspapers and magazines

Cons:

Narrow space between safety handles may be unconformable for larger individuals

If you’re looking for a grab bar that fits the designer aesthetic of your bathroom, this is a good choice. It’s polished stainless steel, so it will match your high-end bathroom, and it offers plenty of support.

Arguably the best toilet rails out there, Vive thought of everything. The rails fit virtually any toilet, including those that are irregularly shaped. The rails can be adjusted in nearly every direction. Use this feature to fit the bars to your toilet and to accommodate your height. These grab bars support 300 pounds, which means you can sit and stand with confidence. Plus, they are incredibly easy to install. You simply use the existing toilet seat bolts. The rails come with comfortable nonslip foam handles, and the capped feet protect your floor and prevent the system from slipping.

Pros:

Comes with the Vive warranty

Corrosion-resistant—can get wet or be disinfected

Fits you and your toilet perfectly

Cons:

The wider you set the rails, the less stable they become for a heavy person

This simple yet powerfully supportive handle for your bathtub attaches to the edge of your tub with a stainless steel clamp. Don’t worry about scratching the bathtub. It’s built with non-wearing rubber pads that prevent your bathtub from getting scuffed. When you’re ready to step into or out of the tub, this 14.5-inch rounded handle supports 300 pounds. It’s easy to install. Just twist the clamp. And it’s easy to transfer between bathrooms. Simply unscrew the clamp and go.

Pros:

Fits any bathtub with edges 3–7 inches wide

Doesn’t scratch tub

Portable and easy to install

Cons:

Need to push straight down on it for more support while entering and exiting the tub

Types of Handrails for Bathroom Use

With so many different types of grab bars for seniors, you may feel overwhelmed by your options. Here, we explain the major types of bathroom grab bars.

Safety Rails & Toilet Rails

Safety rails for the elderly include toilet rails and wall rails. Some rails require tools to install. However, many rails have very simply installation processes. Most people place rails alongside the toilet to help them sit and stand. In the shower, rails offer support in a slippery environment.

Tip:Safety rails are best for those who need assistance sitting and standing over the toilet and those who need support in the shower.

Bathtub Safety Handles

These are usually mounts. They provide tall handles when clamped to the side of your tub. Safety bars for bathroom use are perfect for those who have moderate level of mobility. If you use the edge of the tub to slide into the water, this handle may block required entry space.

Tip:Bathtub safety handles are best for independent people who need a bit more security when entering or exiting the tub.

Grab Bars for Elderly

These versatile bars can be placed virtually anywhere in your bathroom. Purchasing a pair with strong suction allows you to reposition these bars without making holes in the wall. The best products use an indicator light to confirm the bars are affixed to the wall correctly.

For those with poor balance or trouble standing for prolonged periods, invest in a bath or shower chair. Click here to see the best options, from chairs with arms and backs to simple stools.

Tip:Grab bars are best for those who need extra handles strategically positioned throughout the bathroom.

Features to Look for in Grab Bars

Grab bars with these great features will make your bathroom a safe, comfortable environment.

Easy Install

Choose grab bars that do not require tools to install. This keeps you from drilling holes in your walls and potentially injuring yourself with an incorrectly installed grab bar.

Installation Confirmation

This feature is important for your safety. It also makes installation incredibly easy. For instance, the Vive suction bars have a light that turns green when they are properly affixed to the wall.

Find the Best Bathroom Grab Bars for Elderly Adults

Bathroom grab bars for seniors keep you safe while you relax in the tub or shower. Use them throughout your bathroom to dramatically reduce the risk of falls and increase your peace of mind. Regain your independence and privacy with bathroom grab bars for elderly individuals.

Amanda Ghosh

Amanda has a Masters of Science in Nutrition from Syracuse University which equipped her with courses applied to licensure as a dietitian. She also worked as a Program Director for the Wellness and Fitness Department for the YMCA. She is well versed in physical fitness, with a certificate from the National Academy of Sports Medicine in physical fitness training. She has taught numerous fitness classes, including college courses in the Athletic Department, as an adjunct instructor, at the SUNY University at Buffalo. She currently resides with her husband in the NYC area, and loves to put her knowledge of anatomy and physiology to use by being active. Both her and her husband are self-declared "foodies."

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